SPACEPORT AMERICA, N.M. – HAPSMobile Inc. is a subsidiary of telecommunications operator SoftBank Corp. in Japan, is choosing Spaceport America in Southern New Mexico as a location for the testing and the developing of communications platform meant to make internet connectivity available in rural areas, announced Economic Development Cabinet Secretary Alicia J. Keyes.
HAPSMobile Inc. along with Aero Vironment, Inc., a minority owner and development partner, will be working on developing the solar-powered unmanned High Altitude Platform Station. The platform, referred to as a cell-tower in the sky, is to improve communications in areas like rural communities.
The project will assist HAPSMobile and AeroVirmont in receiving government certifications for the unmanned aircraft system that is to circle with its 260-foot wingspan carrying a telecommunications payload in the stratosphere for extended durations with expectations of operating at 65,000 feet above sea level.
“This announcement is further evidence that New Mexico’s ambitious vision for Spaceport America is being realized. We’ve always been clear that we were building a platform where visionary companies could develop space-based solutions to all kinds of problems, and it’s gratifying to see that work paying off and to welcome HAPSMobile and AeroVironment to our state,” Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said. “We look forward to being home to the world’s first cell tower in the sky.”
The companies expressed that Spaceport America’s restricted airspace, weather, and proximity to Las Cruces and to New Mexico State University along with the New Mexico business climate, technical expertise, and aerospace workforce results in Spaceport America being an ideal location to conduct flight testing.
The expansion is supported by the New Mexico Economic Development Department with $500,000 form Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds for buildings, land, and infrastructure.
“The business-friendly environment in New Mexico, along with incentives like LEDA and JTIP help us bring forward thinking companies such as HAPSMobile and AeroVironment to New Mexico,” Cabinet Secretary Keyes said.
“The project is an exciting concept that can positively impact communities and relief efforts throughout the world with internet connectivity. We are tremendously proud to have this program, along with their high-tech staff, as our newest collaborator at the Spaceport,” Daniel Hicks, Executive Director of the New Mexico Spaceport Authority, said.
Spaceport America is the first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world. The launch complex is comprised of 18,000 acres next to White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico. At the complex exists a 12,000-foot space way, 340 days of sunshine, and 6,000 square miles of restricted airspace. Spaceport America currently has tenants such as: SpinLaunch, AeroVironment, Up Aerospace, and Virgin Galactic. Sugarhouse Aerospace, Exos Aerospace, and Boeing conduct regular testing at Spaceport America.
Release Courtesy to the New Mexico Economic Development Department
